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Take-Home
Essay: 3 pages; double-spaced; 12 point font; staple the pages together and make sure to number each page. Due at 6:30pm in the class on the night of the midterm exam. Question: Shape-shifting, masking, and impersonation have figured in some way in many of the plays we have studied. Noh characters reveal themselves as ghosts, kyōgen characters pretend to have more expertise than they do; onnagata men appear to be women, a Chinese actress controversially plays a Japanese geisha. Choose three examples from any materials considered in class thus far and write a short essay reflecting on the idea of authenticity. Note: This essay topic allows you lots of freedom to choose your examples and the way in which you wish to frame your essay. In your introductory paragraph, state your take on authenticity and describe how your paper will support your argument. Give relevant evidence for each of your three choices (ex: lines from a play). In your concluding paragraph, describe how your ideas about authenticity pose issues for thinking about theater in general. Citation: Simple citation is fine. For example, if you're referring to a character in a Noh play, then: (Miidera, p. 12). IN-CLASS EXAM (60 minutes): 1. You should be able to identify a play by reading a few lines. (Of course, these will be prominent, identifying lines that distinguish this play from others). You should also be able to say how these lines fit in the overall plot of the play. Note: This includes all Noh plays, Kyōgen plays, Bunraku plays assigned for the class (see class schedule). Kabuki plays are saved for the final exam--something to look forward to! 2. You should be able to describe: shite, waki, role of the chorus in Noh, Buddhist themes in Noh; Tarōkaja, elements of kyōgen humor, yamabushi in kyōgen; love suicide in Bunraku, roles of puppeteer and chanter; Kabuki's onnagata |